Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Celebrates 20 Years of Hyperbaric Medicine

July 21, 2025

For two decades, a hidden gem in Seattle has filled a critical medical care gap, bringing life-saving treatments to patients across Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Montana and Idaho: the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC). 

What started as a research center for deep-sea diving, the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at VMMC is now the only 24/7, 365-day accredited hyperbaric center in the Northwest region of the United States. This July marks its 20th anniversary—a milestone cemented in patient stories of survival and a legacy of clinical excellence and research advancements.

“For 20 years, the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine has exemplified what it means to deliver highly-specialized, life-saving care,” said Hans Cassagnol, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “From advancing treatments for complex wounds to responding rapidly to critical emergencies like carbon monoxide poisoning, this team has changed—and saved—countless lives across the region. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and remain committed to expanding the boundaries of what’s possible in hyperbaric medicine.”

Hyperbaric medicine is a groundbreaking form of care that can be used to treat a variety of conditions—from severe carbon monoxide poisoning to a diver battling the bends, or a patient struggling with a wound that refuses to heal. Hyperbaric medicine involves patients breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Increased oxygen delivery used in hyperbaric medicine promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and provides oxygen to compromised tissues. 

Today, the hyperbaric chamber fills a critical community gap, and the field of hyperbaric medicine is still rapidly evolving as new research is underway to understand all possible patient treatment options. 

By the Numbers: A Story of Impact

Over the past 20 years, the hyperbaric medicine team has achieved incredible results, bringing care close to home for countless patients and their families in the Northwest. 

• 75,000 routine hyperbaric treatments: Healing chronic wounds, fighting infections, and restoring hope.
• 1,140 emergency treatments: Responding to critical patient situations, including carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness.
    

A Name to Remember: Honoring Dr. Neil Hampson

In recognition of 20 years of life-saving treatment and unwavering commitment to patient care, the hyperbaric chamber will be named in honor of  Neil Hampson, MD, the founding director of the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine. Dr. Hampson was a driving force behind the opening of the Center and continues to be a strong patient advocate and pioneer in the field, especially related to the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

“Coming to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and opening the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine was the highlight of my career,” shared Dr. Hampson, founding director of the Center. “Twenty years ago, the field was young and we were able to see so many advancements and new patient treatment options come to light as we advanced research and learned more each year. It continues to be an exciting time for the field of hyperbaric medicine as new treatments and advancements emerge.” 

The Gold Standard: Level 1 Accreditation

Since 2006, the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at VMMC has maintained Level 1 with distinction accreditation from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)—the highest level achievable. This prestigious accreditation signifies a dedication to the highest standards of safety and clinical excellence.

The Center for Hyperbaric Medicine is staffed by some of the nation's most experienced and highly-trained teams. When seconds count, they're ready to deliver the best possible care, ensuring that hope and healing are always within reach to area patients. 

“Thanks to  Dr. Hampson's vision, a dedicated team and the generosity of donors, the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at VMMC has been a lifeline for patients, unlocking the body’s natural healing abilities,” noted Nick Bird, MD, current director for the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine. “It is an absolute honor to be in a place where we get to provide the full spectrum of care to our patients every day.” 

Find more information about the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine.

 
About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is an integrated health system serving the Puget Sound region, including 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites. Founded in 1891, VMFH embraces its long history of caring for the most vulnerable, especially the poor and underserved, and meeting the evolving health care needs of the vibrant, diverse communities it serves. VMFH is a proud home to the Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the United States designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, and the Benaroya Research Institute, an internationally recognized institution for autoimmune disease research. VMFH is part of CommonSpirit, one of the nation’s largest health systems, dedicated to advancing health for all people.